pickI finished this book, then turned back and read it all again. I love this, but I still don't quite understand it. The letters and the progress of Red and Blue's relationship: yes. The world-building: not completely, but I understand enough for it not to get in the way of the story. Not my usual thing but I truly enjoyed it.
I thought it was really powerful when Lily realized how much power the government had over her. It is a very real realization for minorities in the United States, and every child in America will feel that realization at some point in their lives. That part of the story really stood out to me because Lily could not even control what her and her family were being punished for, but she had to deal with the consequences.
When lily's mom told her “People notice things. You don‘t want to give them a reason to look at you more closely,” it stuck with me. It made me think about all the ways we‘re taught to stay invisible to avoid judgment or danger. Young adults are often scared to be themselves because of other people's definitions of normal or traditional, and their fear of straying from them. This book will help students see themselves in their eyes, nobody else's
“She had never said the word aloud. She had never even thought the word with any seriousness. Lesbian. The word made her feel nervous and a little afraid, but also giddy.” (p. 147)
It reminded me how powerful language can be, how naming something changes it. It affects how clear identity can be, or maybe more confusing when you're under pressure to hide it.
bailedBailing at 23% in. I‘m bored. It‘s just not for me 🤷🏻♀️
Elle Kennedy just announced a new book!
"LOVE SONG" is officially releasing on March 17, 2026!
This brand new standalone novel features romance between Wyatt Graham & Blake Logan, aka Garrett and Logan's kids!
The book's official cover will be revealed later!
#LoveSong #ElleKennedy #book #books #bookdesign #bookdesigner #bookdeal #bookdeals #bookdealer #bookdragon #bookdragons #bookfeature #bookfeatures #bookfair #bookfan #bookfandom #bookfever
pickJust as good as the first one!
Very cute manga brushing the theme of homosexuality in Japan: stereotypes, acceptance, prejudices, etc.
Thank you for the tip @ChaoticMissAdventures ! None of my libraries had a copy but I was really pleased to see my local brick and mortar Barnes and Nobel had a stack of copies. 👍 #BlameitonLitsy
The progressive unraveling of Lily and Shirley‘s friendship was a very pivotal moment in the novel that really stuck with me. It was somewhat painful to read because you can tell they have such a long friendship, but they're also growing apart in ways that feel sort of inevitable. Shirley represents comfort and familiarity for Lily, but Shirley also becomes someone who can‘t really accept what Lily is going through.
pickI loved this book! This book moved me. The topics of political unrest along with coming to terms and discovering oneself were beautifully written and produced by the author. I think this text would be incredible for students to read, and I would maybe prompt students to write their own historical fiction novels around different eras. I couldn't put this book down!
